To fully utilize your generator it must be used correctly and properly maintained. Let me give you a few important operation and maintenance tips:
Always start and run your portable or RV generator outside, because of dangerous exhaust fumes.
Run your portable generator on a level surface and maintain clearance from combustible material. Also give yourself proper working clearance.
Never refuel your power generator while it is hot or running.
It is good to use a fuel additive or stabilizer (follow the instructions) if you don’t operate your portable or RV generator often. This will help to insure that aged fuel doesn’t clog your fuel system and that your generator will start when needed.
Exercise your generator twice a month for about 15 minutes to keep it lubricated and ready to go.
Never overload or exceed the wattage output capacity of your portable or RV generator. Most generators generally have wattage capacity listed on the brand label. Here are some examples of device loads; an electric heater may pull 1500 watts, a furnace fan may pull 1600 watts, your lighting circuits may pull 1000 watts, a refrigerator and freezer may pull 500 watts each and a TV may pull 100 watts. Also, keep in mind that when a motor starts it pulls more watts than when it’s running. A quality generator may have a high surge capacity to help with starting loads, it is sometimes listed next to the running watt capacity.
When using your portable or RV generator for emergency power for your home in a power outage, you must consider some important issues:
Select the appliances and lighting you wish to operate in a power outage and isolate them into an emergency panel.
To meet electrical codes, you will then need to use a transfer switch and an inlet box, along with a long enough power cord to plug into your RV or portable generator for emergency power situations.
The transfer switch will then switch the power feed from utility power input to your portable or RV generator power input, for your selected emergency circuits.
The power transfer system process meets a national electrical code requirement and very importantly, keeps your generator from feeding power to the utility grid, injuring workers that could be correcting the power outage issue.
This e book will truly guide you to make the best choices for home efficiency and renewable energy. An energy efficient home translates into a cost-effective approach to purchasing and installing your renewable energy systems.
